A BBC presenter who began her career in local radio in Oxfordshire will leave the broadcaster after 28 years this spring.
Politics Live presenter Jo Coburn started out in local radio in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, and Oxfordshire, before joining BBC London as a political reporter covering Westminster in 1997.
Ms Coburn has presented the broadcaster’s daily weekday politics show since it launched in 2018, but will leave at the end of May, with a new presenter announced in due course.
She said: “What a privilege to have been in the hot seat of the Daily Politics and then Politics Live covering the tumultuous events of the last decade or so.
“It’s time to move on and hand over to someone else but I’ve loved it all, especially the people I’ve worked with and the hundreds of guests who’ve kept me company in the studio every day.”
Hilary O’Neill, executive editor of politics at the BBC, added: “Jo has shaped Politics Live into the programme it is today where viewers tune in knowing they’ll be expertly guided through the biggest political stories, whilst making them accessible and entertaining.
“Jo is a forensic interviewer and engaging presenter who draws on her deep knowledge of politics to challenge ministers on the issues that matter most to the public.
“She will be greatly missed by both the audience and her colleagues.”
Ms Coburn previously presented BBC Two’s Daily Politics with Andrew Neil, before taking on the lead presenter role for Politics Live when it replaced Daily Politics.
She has appeared on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, the Six and Ten bulletins and the BBC News Channel.
During her BBC career, she anchored live coverage of six chancellors’ budgets, covered eight general elections, and hosted overnight by-election specials.
Richard Burgess, director of the BBC’s news content, said: “I want to thank Jo for her immense contribution to our coverage, and on a career where she has been at the heart of political journalism for almost 30 years.
“Millions of viewers have benefited from Jo’s incisive interviewing and her ability to host intelligent discussion and debate from across the political spectrum.
“We wish her all the best for the future.”
Ms Coburn covered the Cash for Honours and MPs’ expenses scandals as well as the first race for London mayor in 2000.
After the 2001 general election, she joined regional news for early mornings as political correspondent for Breakfast News.
She has also regularly presented on the BBC News channel, BBC Radio 4’s The World This Weekend, and BBC Two current affairs show Newsnight.
